Delicious and Flavorful: A Simple Recipe for Mexican Rice

Ready for a quick and tasty way to spice up your weeknight dinner? Look no further than this easy Mexican rice recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a side dish bursting with flavor in no time. Let’s get cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped optional

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and hold it under cold running water for a minute or two, until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Toast the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir it into the onion and garlic mixture. Allow the rice to toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns a pale golden color.
4. Add the tomato sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the saucepan and combine it with the rice. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add the broth and seasonings: Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Simmer and steam: Let the rice simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Avoid removing the lid or stirring during this time as it interrupts the steaming process crucial for fluffy rice.
7. Fluff and serve: After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat but leave the lid on for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to continue steaming and absorb any remaining liquid. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.

Now, you have a delightful and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, fajitas, or even as a filling for burritos. This versatile easy Mexican rice recipe can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Feel free to get creative and add your favorite ingredients to customize the dish to your taste. Chopped bell peppers, corn, peas, or even shredded cheese can add extra color and texture to your Mexican rice.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt is not flawless. By following the recipe and paying attention to the cooking times, you’ll soon be cooking up delicious Mexican rice like a pro.

So, next time you’re craving a tasty twist to your weekday meals, grab these simple ingredients and whip up this easy Mexican rice recipe. Your taste buds will thank you.